Cultural Competency Part I

As healthcare continues to grow more diverse, the ability of clinicians to understand, respect, and respond to cultural differences is essential for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This 1-hour CME/CE course—Part I of a two-part series—provides foundational knowledge and practical guidance on cultural competency in healthcare.

Participants will explore the concept of cultural competence, its relevance to reducing health disparities, and how it contributes to advancing health equity. The course outlines common barriers to cultural awareness in modern healthcare systems and presents actionable strategies to enhance communication, understanding, and trust across diverse patient populations. Real-world examples and evidence-based approaches are used to encourage more inclusive and equitable clinical practices.

This activity fulfills state-mandated Cultural Competency training for physicians, nurses, and physician assistants in the District of Columbia, Oregon, Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, and New Jersey.

Educational Objectives

• Define cultural competency and explain its importance in healthcare settings.
• Recognize how cultural competency impacts health disparities and health equity.
• Identify strategies for incorporating cultural competency into patient care.
• Explore the systemic barriers to achieving cultural competency in modern healthcare.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for:

• Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurses in D.C., Oregon, Illinois, Connecticut, Nevada, and New Jersey.
• Healthcare providers serving multicultural or diverse populations.
• Clinical educators, practice leaders, and health system administrators implementing strategies to promote equity and inclusion.
• Any medical professional seeking to reduce disparities and deliver more respectful, effective care to patients from all backgrounds.

Did You Know?

• Patients who perceive cultural understanding from their providers are more likely to adhere to treatment plans. [Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2020]
• Cultural competency training improves communication, reduces malpractice risk, and increases patient satisfaction. [AAMC, 2021]
• Health disparities persist across racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups in the U.S. healthcare system. [CDC, 2022]
• Cultural competency also includes addressing religious, gender, sexual orientation, and disability-related differences.
• Many U.S. states now require cultural competency as part of continuing education for medical professionals.